Posts tagged “Pretty Amazing Grace”

Neil Diamond’s song “Pretty Amazing Grace” on idol last night was interesting. I assume he is a Christian as there were definite overtones of such in the lyrics. The fact that the title and several lyrics are re-workings of the famous hymn by almost the same name point that way as well. But do I only think he’s Christian because I am Christian? Does a non-Christian hear those lyrics and think the song is about what God has done for us? The song could be talking about any god, not necessarily our God, couldn’t it?

1 Corinthians 1:22-24 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Paul shows us how we’re different from all the other religions of the world. We don’t just worship “God”, but rather the Triune God: Father, Son, Spirit. We preach Christ crucified because He is the only way to know the true God. We find common ground with lots of religions when we talk about “God.” Lots of people believe in “God.” But do they know the Triune God? Do they know Christ? We bear His name, are we being little Christs to our neighbors? Is it clear we preach Christ crucified, or are we preaching the same message every other religion preaches?